{"id":1465,"date":"2022-06-24T22:35:34","date_gmt":"2022-06-24T22:35:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.fm1.dev\/?page_id=1465"},"modified":"2022-07-27T23:40:58","modified_gmt":"2022-07-27T23:40:58","slug":"eardrum-perforation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/ear-problems\/eardrum-perforation\/","title":{"rendered":"Eardrum Perforation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Does an Eardrum Do?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The eardrum has two main roles: Hearing \u2013 Your eardrum vibrates from sound waves striking it. In turn, structures in your middle and inner ear translate sound waves into nerve impulses.\nProtection \u2013 Acting as a barrier, your eardrum protects your middle ear from water, bacteria, and foreign substances.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is an Eardrum Perforation?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"An eardrum perforation is defined as a hole or rupture in the eardrum. Known medically as a tympanic membrane rupture, this tear occurs in the membrane separating your outer ear from your inner ear. A perforation can lead to a middle ear infection and possible hearing loss, though in many cases it will heal on its own without medical treatment.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How does a rupture affect eardrum functions?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The eardrum converts sound waves into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain, and protects the middle ear from bacteria, moisture and other foreign objects. A perforation can disrupt both important functions. When an eardrum is ruptured it can allow bacteria to enter the ear and cause an ear infection (otitis media). A rupture or perforation can also create a hole; just like a drumhead is worse at carrying sound with a hole in it, your tympanic membrane is too. This is the reason a rupture can contribute to a loss of hearing.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Can Cause Eardrum Perforations?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Eardrum perforations are most often caused by: Infection. Middle ear infections cause a buildup of pressure that may result in a ruptured eardrum. Injury. Injury or trauma to the ear and head like a sudden loud noise or skull fracture can cause an eardrum to rupture. Eustachian tube disorders. Inserting objects such as bobby pins or Q-tips in the ear to clean wax can cause an accidental a rupture. Chronic Eustachian tube problems can weaken the eardrum, making it more prone to perforation.\"\n }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Are the Symptoms of a Perforated Eardrum?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Some people are completely unaware of a ruptured eardrum; there may be a complete lack of symptoms or only a feeling of general discomfort. Other times, people will experience: a sudden sharp pain in the ear\na discharge of fluid that may be bloody, clear or pus-like, a buzzing or ringing in the ear, partial or complete hearing loss in the affected ear, ear infection, facial weakness or dizziness.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Are There Any Possible Complications to an Ear Perforation?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"If your perforated eardrum does not self-heal in three to six months and you don\u2019t seek treatment, possible complications include: Hearing Loss due to a perforated eardrum is usually temporary. Size and location of the perforation plays a huge role in the eardrum\u2019s healing process, resulting in the degree of hearing loss you may experience. A perforated eardrum can allow bacteria to enter the ear. If the perforation doesn\u2019t heal, a small number of people are subject to recurrent ear infections. This cyst, composed of skin cells and various debris, is very rare. The cyst is a result from a long-term development in the middle ear after your eardrum has been perforated.\"\n }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Are Eardrum Perforations Diagnosed?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"A doctor will examine your ears with an otoscope to visually identify a hole or tear in the eardrum. A hearing test may be required. If your physician can\u2019t see the rupture but suspects you have one they may use a process called tympanometry to create pressure variations in your middle ear. A perorated tympanic membrane produces a flat test response and typically cause a 20 \u2013 30-dB conductive hearing loss.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How is an Eardrum Perforation Treated?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Because the majority of perforated eardrums heal on their own in a few months, no treatment may be needed other than antibiotics to prevent or treat infection. Nonprescription pain medication and a warm compress can help. Large perforations may require surgery. While the rupture is healing you\u2019ll need to keep the ear dry, avoiding water as much as possible.\"\n}\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Long Does a Perforated Eardrum Take to Heal?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \" An eardrum perforation can self-heal after three to six months. If complications arise, it may take longer for the eardrum to heal.\"\n    }\n    }]\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-does-an-eardrum-do\">What Does an Eardrum Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The eardrum has two main roles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hearing<\/strong>. Your eardrum vibrates from sound waves striking it. In turn, structures in your middle and inner ear translate sound waves into nerve impulses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Protection<\/strong>. Your eardrum acts as a barrier to protect your middle ear from water, bacteria and foreign substances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-an-eardrum-perforation\">What is an Eardrum Perforation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Eardrum perforation is a hole or rupture in the eardrum. This tear&nbsp;occurs&nbsp;in&nbsp;the membrane separating your outer&nbsp;ear&nbsp;from your inner ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eardrum perforation&nbsp;can lead to a middle ear infection and possible hearing loss, though it can heal without medical treatment in some cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-does-a-perforation-affect-eardrum-functions\">How Does a Perforation Affect Eardrum Functions?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A rupture or perforation creates a hole in the tympanic membrane. This impairs its ability to vibrate, which can contribute to a loss of hearing and may allow bacteria to enter the ear and cause an ear infection (otitis media).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-can-cause-eardrum-perforations\">What Can Cause Eardrum Perforations?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/ENT-Perforated-Eardrum-Diagnosis-1536x1024-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1467\" title=\"ENT Perforated Eardrums\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/ENT-Perforated-Eardrum-Diagnosis-1536x1024-1.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/ENT-Perforated-Eardrum-Diagnosis-1536x1024-1-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Eardrum perforations are most often caused by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Infection<\/strong>. Middle ear infections cause a buildup of pressure that may result in a ruptured eardrum.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Injury.<\/strong> Injury or trauma to the ear and head, like a sudden loud noise or skull fracture, can cause an eardrum to rupture. Inserting objects such as bobby pins or Q-tips in the ear to clean wax can cause an accidental rupture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Eustachian tube disorders.<\/strong>&nbsp;Chronic Eustachian tube problems can weaken the eardrum, making it more prone to perforation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-the-symptoms-of-a-perforated-eardrum\">What Are the Symptoms of a Perforated Eardrum?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people are completely unaware of a ruptured eardrum; there may&nbsp;be a complete lack of symptoms&nbsp;or only a feeling of general discomfort. Other times, people will experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A sudden sharp pain in the ear<\/li><li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.merckmanuals.com\/home\/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders\/symptoms-of-ear-disorders\/ear-discharge\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.merckmanuals.com\/home\/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders\/symptoms-of-ear-disorders\/ear-discharge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">discharge of&nbsp;fluid<\/a> that may be bloody, clear&nbsp;or pus-like<\/li><li>A buzzing or ringing in the ear<\/li><li>Partial or complete hearing loss in the affected ear<\/li><li>Ear infection<\/li><li>Facial weakness or dizziness<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-are-eardrum-perforations-diagnosed\">How Are&nbsp;Eardrum Perforations Diagnosed?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An ear, nose, and throat doctor will examine&nbsp;your&nbsp;ears with an otoscope to visually identify a hole or tear in the eardrum. A hearing test may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your physician can\u2019t see the rupture but suspects you have one, they may use a process called tympanometry to create pressure variations in your middle ear. A perforated tympanic membrane produces a flat test response and may cause&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2918411\/#:~:text=Perforation%20of%20the%20TM%20is,from%20negligible%20to%2050%20dB.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">conductive hearing loss<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-is-an-eardrum-perforation-treated\">How is an&nbsp;Eardrum Perforation Treated?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because most perforated eardrums heal on their own in a few months, no treatment may be needed other than antibiotics to prevent or treat an infection. Nonprescription pain medication and a warm compress can help. Large perforations may require surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the rupture is healing, you\u2019ll need to keep the ear dry, avoiding water as much as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-long-does-a-perforated-eardrum-take-to-heal\">How Long Does a Perforated Eardrum Take to Heal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Eardrum perforation can self-heal after three to six months. If complications arise, it may take longer for the eardrum to heal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><div class=\"content-cta-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"content-cta-text\">\r\n        <p>Call Hearing &#038; Balance Institute of Utah at for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\r\n        <a href=\"tel:+18018529696\" class=\"phone cta-phone-link\"><svg width=\"14\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M11.9 0H2.1C1.54305 0 1.0089 0.237053 0.615076 0.65901C0.221249 1.08097 0 1.65326 0 2.25L0 21.75C0 22.3467 0.221249 22.919 0.615076 23.341C1.0089 23.7629 1.54305 24 2.1 24H11.9C12.457 24 12.9911 23.7629 13.3849 23.341C13.7788 22.919 14 22.3467 14 21.75V2.25C14 1.65326 13.7788 1.08097 13.3849 0.65901C12.9911 0.237053 12.457 0 11.9 0V0ZM7 22.5C6.81639 22.4999 6.63461 22.461 6.46503 22.3856C6.29545 22.3102 6.14139 22.1997 6.01164 22.0605C5.74962 21.7794 5.60255 21.3983 5.6028 21.001C5.60292 20.8043 5.63921 20.6095 5.70958 20.4278C5.77996 20.2461 5.88305 20.0811 6.01296 19.942C6.27534 19.6613 6.63106 19.5037 7.00187 19.504C7.37267 19.5043 7.7282 19.6623 7.99022 19.9435C8.25225 20.2246 8.39931 20.6057 8.39907 21.003C8.39882 21.4003 8.25128 21.7812 7.9889 22.062C7.72653 22.3427 7.37081 22.5003 7 22.5H6.99907H7ZM11.9 17.44C11.899 17.5882 11.8436 17.73 11.7458 17.8348C11.648 17.9396 11.5157 17.999 11.3773 18H2.62453C2.48591 18 2.35297 17.941 2.25495 17.836C2.15693 17.731 2.10187 17.5885 2.10187 17.44V2.813C2.10187 2.66448 2.15693 2.52204 2.25495 2.41702C2.35297 2.312 2.48591 2.253 2.62453 2.253H11.3736C11.5119 2.25405 11.6443 2.31338 11.7421 2.41818C11.8399 2.52297 11.8953 2.6648 11.8963 2.813L11.9 17.44Z\" fill=\"#FF886D\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<span class=\"phone-number\">(801) 852-9696<\/span><\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Does an Eardrum Do? The eardrum has two main roles: Hearing. Your eardrum vibrates from sound waves striking it. In turn, structures in your middle and inner ear translate sound waves into nerve impulses. Protection. Your eardrum acts as a barrier to protect your middle ear from water, bacteria and foreign substances. What is&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":1520,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"service_tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1465"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1465"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1465\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1520"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=1465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}